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Jonathan Woodgate will know what he wants and who he wants as Boro look to strengthen their squad in the new year.

On the final Sunday before the window opens, it's no surprise that there's some speculation doing the rounds.

Jordan Jones linked

Boro and Stoke City have today been linked with a loan move for Jordan Jones.

The Teessider has been out of action for Rangers since the start of September, when he was sent off for a horror tackle in the first Old Firm of the season and injured himself in the process.

Jones joined Rangers in the summer having made a name for himself in Scotland at Kilmarnock, where he was one of the best attacking players in the league.

The winger, now 25, came through the ranks at Boro but only made one appearance for his hometown club, coming off the bench in the FA Cup win over Hastings United in 2013.

Rangers' Jordan Jones (Image: PA)

Former Boro Under-23s coach Paul Jenkins previously told Teesside Live Jones is the best young player he worked with at Rockliffe.

He said : “One of the most technically gifted players I’ve ever come across. At eight years old he could manipulate a ball like nobody else, he was fantastic to watch.

“As Jordan developed he lost his way socially. The season I took over the 23s (the 21s at the time), Jordan was in the transition period where he was either going to walk out and play for Redcar Town or get his head down. Look where he is now – playing for Northern Ireland and doing fantastically well in Scotland.

“I’m convinced he’ll be at least playing in the Championship in the next season or two. Without doubt.”

West Ham's Randolph alternative

West Ham have lined up another goalkeeping target, who they will reportedly turn to if they fail to land Darren Randolph, according to The Sun.

The Hammers could reportedly move for Cardiff City's Neil Etheridge if they don't get Randolph.

Darren Randolph (Image: Martyn Haworth/Focus Images Ltd)

The tabloid claims a move for Randolph 'could be more expensive than West Ham thought, so Etheridge has emerged as a leading alternative'. Cardiff, though, would also want a fee for their 29-year-old keeper.

It's not clear how the sacking of Manuel Pellegrini will impact on West Ham's January transfer plans. David Moyes is reportedly set to take charge of the Hammers.

Regardless of who is in charge, a new keeper is likely to still be a priority next month.

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Talking of West Ham.....

Staying with the Hammers, as mentioned above, David Moyes looks likely to replace Manuel Pellegrini.

However, according to reports, Tony Pulis was 'contacted by the club a few weeks ago'.

Reports earlier this season claimed Pulis was contacted by Cardiff but wasn't interested in replacing Neil Warnock at the Bluebirds because he was holding out for a Premier League job - with West Ham one of the clubs mentioned at that time.

It seems the former Boro boss was on West Ham's radar but looks set to miss out on the job at the London Stadium.